Colour vision in human eyes is the function of photoreceptor cells named

Colour vision in the human eye is primarily the function of cone cells, which are specialized photoreceptor cells located in the retina [1]. Humans typically possess three types of cones—short-wavelength (S), middle-wavelength (M), and long-wavelength (L) sensitive—each containing specific photopigments (iodopsins) that respond to different wavelengths of light [4]. These cells are most active in well-lit environments (photopic vision) and are concentrated in the fovea centralis, providing high visual acuity and the ability to perceive the visible spectrum [3]. In contrast, rod cells are responsible for vision in dim light (scotopic vision) and do not mediate colour perception [1]. The blind spot is the region where the optic nerve exits the eye and lacks photoreceptors entirely, while the fovea is the anatomical location where cones are most densely packed [1].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 10: The Human Eye and the Colourful World > 10.1 THE HUMAN EYE > p. 162
2. [4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4651776/
3. [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542332/